Environmental fate and persistence of cyclospora cayetanensis

Onstad, Nora Hazel

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/102964 Copy

Description

Title

Environmental fate and persistence of cyclospora cayetanensis

Author(s)

Onstad, Nora Hazel

Issue Date

2018-12-14

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Davidson, Paul C.

Committee Member(s)

• Green, Michelle L.
• Witola, William H.

Department of Study

Agricultural & Biological Engr

Discipline

Technical Systems Management

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• soil adsorption
• Cyclospora
• C. cayetanensis
• cyclosporiasis
• emerging disease
• environmental fate
• pathogen transport
• PCR

Abstract

Cyclospora cayetanensis is an emerging food-borne protozoan pathogen. Similar to other gastrointestinal pathogens, cyclosporiasis causes prolonged diarrhea. Unlike Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora oocysts are not infective when they are shed by infected individuals. Oocysts mature in the environment for several weeks before sporulating. Little is known about how C. cayetanensis is transported in the environment. The literature indicates that water and food, such as leafy greens and berries, are common sources of infection. Contact with soil has also been correlated with cyclosporiasis infection. In addition to acting as a vector to transport oocysts from the environment to the body, water and soil may be important reservoirs to not only allow C. cayetanensis to persist, but also transport the oocysts from one location to another. This research utilizes discrete sampling from an urban area where human waste entered the environment. Nested PCR and two rounds of non-nested PCR analyses identified possible Cyclospora DNA in the soil, water, and wildlife scat found in the area following Combined Sewage Outfall (CSO) events. This may indicate that C. cayetanensis is prevalent in the environment. In addition, an experimental investigation of oocyst adhesion to soil was completed, but was inconclusive.

Graduation Semester

2018-12

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/102964

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2018 Nora Onstad

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